Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I thank Senator Smith, not just for the question but obviously for her role in chairing this very important inquiry, as we come together today to debate the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Bill. Every person in the parliament was told about their obligations as an official regarding any engagement with big tobacco and were told not to engage yet we do know that there are members and senators who do still engage, and we are very mindful of that. We have raised that throughout not only this discussion for this legislation but more broadly, even in the work that was done by JSCEM looking at what actually happens when big business does reach out to not only prospective members of parliament but also current members of parliament. We are mindful of that, and I do appreciate the question.